Medieval gilt bronze of a torchere bearing angel

French, circa. 1300

Measures 10 x 7 x 4.7cm.

The standing angel in fire gilt bronze is holding a miniature pricket candlestick in both hands. The angel is dressed in a simple long gown, his hair cut short and wings applied to his back, the right wing is an old restoration. The small sculpture stands upon a bronze base in the form of a leaf.

This angel was most likely originally one of a pair, each placed on either side of a reliquary. Several of these angels, with a size of about ten centimetres, are known in public collections, mostly attached to Parisian production; however, many have lost their attribute, which is not the case with this one, which has preserved not only its luminaire but also its period base.

The slender figure is reminiscent of the gothic sculptures of Paris and Ile de France, typically seen in wood carvings or ivory, the long form making the most of the material and often adhering to its natural curvature.